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The Secret Pond

by Gerri Hill

Grieving over the loss of her family and feeling like her life is unraveling, Lindsey McDermott quits her job, gets a puppy, and retreats to her grandparents’ home in the Texas Hill Country. She spends her solitary days walking childhood trails and reminiscing, trying to reconcile the conflict within her as she struggles with survivor’s guilt.

After the death of her husband, Hannah Larson needs a change. At the suggestion of her mother-in-law—and against her better judgment—she and her son Jack move to tiny Utopia and into her husband’s grandmother’s house.

When Jack and Lindsey form an unlikely friendship, Hannah reluctantly joins them and the three spend the summer swimming and healing as laughter eventually replaces tears. After Jack goes back to school, Hannah assumes their summer fun is over. Instead, Lindsey continues to come around and now—as they find themselves alone—Hannah realizes just how close they’ve become. Soon, she finds herself struggling with her feelings as their friendship threatens to shift into something much deeper…something she fears she won’t be able to fight. Something she fears she won’t want to fight.

A story of grief and healing…a story of love.

eBook

$9.99

Paperback

$17.95

In stock

Genre Romance
Length 316 pages
Publication Date November 15, 2017
Publisher Bella Books
ISBN 9781594935633e
Editor Medora MacDougall
Cover Designer Judith Fellows

Extras

GCLS Goldie Awards
The Secret Pond — Finalist, Contemporary Romance: Long Novels.

Reviews

Lesbian Reading Room
Gerri Hill has an amazing ability to tell a deep and emotional story in an unpretentious way. She uses everyday life, triggers memories that will resonate with many, and, with the lightest of brushstrokes, takes us to a pace where things seem stripped down and simple without ever being simplistic. The emotions in this book are heartfelt and intense, yet not overpowering despite the seriousness of the subject and particularly Lindsey’s overwhelming loss.

I thoroughly enjoyed this, it tugged on my heartstrings from beginning to end, first hoping Lindsey would emerge from her grief and later hoping Hannah would let them come together. Despite the seriousness of the premise there is little angst, just a gentle flow of change as life moves forward. A tale of friendship and love extremely well done.

goodreads
Pin’s Reviews - One sad boy, two sad women, two puppies, a river and a secret pond. That is what it took for Gerri Hill to write a perfectly beautiful and heartwarming story. The characters, the plot, the emotions (especially the emotions!), the ending... everything is just perfect. If you are looking for a touching and tender story of loss, grief, love and family—this is your book. Highly recommended for everyone!

goodreads
Lex Kent’s Reviews - This is a story of overcoming great loss, friendship, family, and potential love. This is a slow-burn romance that has no angst. If you are looking for a romance with no angst, just a story about people becoming a family, give this book a try. When Hill writes a traditional romance, this is the type of quality you come to expect from her. I can’t wait to see what she writes about next.

Customer Reviews

4 reviews for Secret Pond, The – eBook

  1. Michele (verified owner)

    I’ve patiently waited for this book for six months and I was not disappointed. The Secret Pond will be revered as the masterpiece of Gerri Hill’s career as an author. She combines highly likeable characters in Lindsey McDermott, Hannah Larson, and Hannah’s son Jack, who quickly forms a bond with Lindsey. All three are trying to overcome their grief over the death of loved ones. Lindsey lost ten members of her family in a plane crash and has survivor’s guilt since she was also supposed to be on that flight. Hannah lost her husband and Jack’s father, James, to cancer. Lindsey and Jack meet at a creek in the Texas Hill Country where they become friends as she teaches him how to fish and improve his swimming skills. Eventually Lindsey and Hannah meet and grow close after spending the summer together with Jack and their dogs, Max and Barney. Ms. Hill blends grief, healing, laughter, wonderful descriptions of the Texas Hill Country, friendship, and eventually attraction and love so effortlessly. This is a wonderful story of rediscovering how to live and how to love. Thank you Gerri Hill.

  2. onida54 (verified owner)

    I loved this book. I read this in 2 sittings. The second sitting kept me up past midnight on a work night because I couldn’t put it down. The characters were great and I loved the setting. I got hung up a few times on why Hannah was there in the first place but her logic is explained a few times in the book and honestly, in times of grief the choices we make don’t always make sense. I loved how Lindsey and Hannah bonded and ultimately fell in love. The book had me crying, laughing and just feeling the love. A book I will reread for certain.

  3. goodreads (verified owner)

    Great story, I missed it as soon as I finished it.

  4. cheekybugger13

    THIS BOOK has All. The. Feels.

    Gerri Hill’s masterful skill in making readers FEEL the complex emotions & nuances that her characters go through truly shone in Lindsey/Hannah’s journey (self & shared) here. From going through their personal heartbreak on their own to becoming each other’s support in their growing friendship. And their slow-burn romance….So beautifully told, so utterly heartfelt! Their chemistry undeniable & captivating.

    And what’s uniquely special about this Lindsey/Hannah story that Gerri Hill’s created is Lindsey & Jack’s affinity to each other. Their connection between these two kindred spirits is very well-written as Hill delves deeper into the story – so deeply affecting, so incredibly moving.

    Needless to say, “The Secret Pond” is one of me favourite lesbian fiction novels.

    It’s a resounding MUST-READ.

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